Round 1

A contestant chosen by a random draw before the show selects one of four categories, and takes the first turn. In all cases, play passes to the right (as viewed on camera), going back to the left-most position if needed. Correctly solving a word scores 10 points per letter, the bonus for three straight correct answers is 100 points. The round lasts until the puzzle is completed or until a buzzer sounds.

Round 2

The contestant in last place after round one, or in case of a tie, the leftmost player tied, chooses one of the remaining three categories and takes the first turn. Words are worth 20 points per letter, with a 200-point bonus for three in a row. One word is designated a "Wager Word." The first contestant to find the Wager Word is given the chance to bet any or all of their score on their ability to solve that word. A correct answer earns the amount of the wager (the 200-point bonus is also awarded if it is the contestant's third word in a row), while a wrong answer deducts the amount. If the Wager Word is not solved correctly, subsequent attempts at that word are for its natural value. In addition, if the first contestant to find the Wager Word has no points at the time, the word is also played for its natural value.

Tiebreaker

When the round ends, the contestant in third place is eliminated from further play. All losing contestants are awarded a one-year subscription to People magazine as a consolation prize.

If two contestants are tied for second after round 2, a tiebreaker word is played using a buzzer. One word and one clue are displayed, and letters are randomly revealed one at a time. Contestants may buzz in at any time after the clue is read. A contestant who guesses correctly advances, while a contestant who guesses incorrectly is eliminated. The process is repeated if necessary if all three contestants are tied.

Round 3 (Head-to-Head Showdown)

The contestant in the lead, or in some shows with the lowest score after round 2, is shown two new puzzles and selects one to play. The gameplay in this round is similar to that of the "Crossfire" round on The Cross-Wits. The contestant is given 60 seconds to solve all 10 words (time starts when host Remini finishes reading the first clue). The contestant may attempt the words in any order, may take as many guesses as desired before passing, and may pass and return to a word as often as needed until time runs out. As in previous rounds, a letter is given the first time the contestant chooses a given word; the contestant is given additional letters upon returning to the word after passing. Each word solved is worth 50 points per letter, and solving all 10 words is worth a 1,000-point bonus. The two puzzles do not necessarily have the same number of points available. The other contestant is then given the other puzzle to solve under the same rules. The contestant in the lead at the end of this round wins $1,000, the championship, and advances to the "Fast Puzzle" round to try for an additional $10,000. If the trailing player is unable to catch up, the game ends immediately. If, however, a tie remains, a sudden-death word will determine the champion.

Bonus Round (Fast Puzzle Round)

The champion is shown four categories, each corresponding to a three-word puzzle, and chooses the three puzzles they would like to play. They have a minute to solve all 9 words, and may switch between words or between puzzles as often as needed. If the champion solves all 9 words within a minute, their winnings gets an additional $10,000 for a total of $11,000.